What position must the cargo door manual control handle be placed in?

The correct answer is NEUT, which stands for neutral. In the context of the cargo door manual control handle for the C-130J, the neutral position indicates that the handle is neither engaged in opening nor closing the cargo door. This is the safe position to ensure that the door remains secure and is not inadvertently operated. When the handle is in the neutral position, it prevents accidental movement of the cargo door and allows for proper function if the hydraulic system or electric control should need to be utilized.

In other positions, such as UP, DOWN, or LOCK, the handle would either engage the opening or closing mechanism or potentially secure the door, which could lead to operational risks if not intended. The neutral position ensures that the system remains ready without actively affecting the status of the cargo door, aligning with safety protocols and operational guidelines.